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Soft white snow, jewel toned flowers and decadent decor set the tone for this incredible Lake Placid winter wedding captured by Tree of Life Films (who is now offering photography in addition to their gorgeous films!). With touches of vintage and handmade elements, this bride and groom were able to create their very own winter wonderland for guests to enjoy… hot chocolate and s’mores included!

From the bride, Filipa: Ever since Adam and I met each other, things have always quietly, and, quite beautifully fallen into place for us. The wedding was no exception. It was a complete collaboration – a meeting of two minds and old souls. Wherever possible, we strove to find vintage items and homemade projects, but never to the extent that it became overwhelming or stressful. Once we fell in love with something, we became committed, no looking back or second guessing, sparking a wonderful journey of bringing our wedding dreams to fruition. We were engaged on the 4th of July, started planning in September and married by December.

Choosing Lake Placid Lodge was a no brainer. Adam chanced upon an advertisement. We were so impressed by the pictures that we immediately booked a weekend to visit and a decision was made on seeing it in person. The same went for choosing Tree of Life Films and my Reem Acra gown. In all instances, a little research was done, a “first date” had, then sparks, chemistry and they became part of the story.

In compliment to those major components that make up a wedding, there were the little touches and the personal embellishments that made it uniquely ours. Maisie, Adam’s sister, is a talented artist, she created a personalized graphic which we then incorporated into our wedsite, menu cards, and thank you stationery. My mother put her many talents into designing and sewing my cape and constructing the table runner for our reception dinner, while my sister pieced together place cards from birch bark and did my make-up.

I knew the lodge would be festively and tastefully decorated for Christmas, so I certainly did not want to work against it in designing the ceremony and reception spaces. Guests were welcomed before the ceremony with a hot chocolate and eggnog bar. For the ceremony space we chose the covered front porch which ended in a semi-circle, a moose head and a fireplace, over-looking Lake Placid. To take off the evening chill, some guests snuggled under their throws that were draped on every chair. After the ceremony we all adjourned to an inner parlor and enjoyed cocktails and h’orderves. Adam even surprised us all with a serenade to me… there was not a dry eye in house!

Dinner was served in a private dining room and is where I spent the most time planning and decorating. I wanted a dining table that was rich and decadent, a real contrast to the stark white beauty of the mountains and snow outside. The dining room had a roaring fire going and the table was filled with deep, jewel toned flowers and multiple levels of candles. I also chose mercury glass for the votives and candlesticks for a muted vintage reflectiveness. Trillium Flowers went above and beyond my expectations and was a true pleasure to work with. The cake topper was a vintage find on Etsy, while the flowers decorating it were simply an extension of the table centerpieces. After dinner we guided guests to an outdoor fireplace and had some fun with s’mores and trickled into the pub for games and night caps. The Lake Placid Lodge is a truly magical location. I wanted our guests to feel that it was ours for the evening, and moving the celebration gradually throughout different parts of the lodge really leant to that feeling.

I never reflect on our wedding as being small, but know that it was intimate and extremely personal. It was a true reflection of what is important to Adam and I : Family, marveling at the natural beauty that abounds and exploring our own personal style while nodding to the past.